Canada. In Syria
Re Conservatives Lay Out Plan For War In Syria (March 25): It is important that Canadians consider the Prime Minister's track record when assessing his judgment in matters of war and peace.
In 2003, then opposition leader Stephen Harper forcefully promoted Canadian participation in the invasion of Iraq.
When he was pressed during a 2008 leaders debate, he grudgingly admitted the invasion had been an "error." It's an "error" which has not only resulted in thousands of deaths and the ongoing chaos in Iraq, but led to the formation and growth of the so-called Islamic State, the enemy we are engaging in Iraq and which Mr. Harper now proposes we confront in Syria.
Stanley Greenspoon, North Vancouver
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I support Stephen Harper in this, and I'm really tired of accusations that he's playing politics. The opposition isn't? Mr. Harper has been clear on the need to battle IS from the outset. We cannot turn our backs on the fight against evil. Evil must be hunted down to its lair. And that lair is Syria.
Rachel Johnson, Winnipeg
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This is not our problem; we cannot solve it. There is no hope of resolving the miasma in Syria, yet this move would put Canada even more directly in line for retaliatory terrorist activity. What are they thinking in Ottawa? Have they even identified the "good guys"?
Joan Price Boase, Courtenay, B.C.
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Margaret Wente surprised me by finding the rare middle ground between Stephen Harper's histrionics, Justin Trudeau's befuddlement and Thomas Mulcair's complete dismissal of the effort to do what we can to mitigate the destruction of far too many innocents (It's Not Mr. Harper's War, But It May Be Ours – March 24).
Were only one of those party leaders able to strike the same pragmatic but appealing tone, they might find some broader-based support for Canada's prolonged engagement.
Doug Climie, Delta, B.C.
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Jolie Effect? Bravo
Re Celebrities Start A Conversation, But Mustn't Have The Last Word (March 25): As a four-year survivor of ovarian cancer, I was encouraged to read that Angelina Jolie is once again drawing the world's attention to this devastating "silent killer" by sharing her decision to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed several years after opting for a double mastectomy.
Ms. Jolie has a family history of ovarian cancer, the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers, and one for which there is no early-screening test. Most women diagnosed with it are already in the late stages and face a high rate of recurrence.
Surely her message, which is for women to become acutely aware of their bodies and to communicate concerns to their family doctors, is what's important in her very public disclosures.
She is playing a vital role in bringing more public awareness to ovarian cancer. Thank goodness for the Jolie Effect!
Diana S. Ford, Toronto
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Mr. Blais replies
I am concerned by the impression that your editorial Too Late, CRTC Changes The Channel (March 24) leaves with Canadians.
The idea of pick-and-pay channels and small packages was first mentioned in a speech I made June 12, 2013, at the Banff World Media Festival, where I suggested choice rather than constraint would be the way forward for Canada's television system. The Globe's editorial the next day praised that bold, new direction (Blais Blazes A Trail). Nowhere in my remarks was there any suggestion made of government influence over, or interference in, the CRTC's plans.
The CRTC's decision will give Canadians the freedom to choose the television content that meets their needs, budgets and realities. It was made following a lengthy public consultation. We are proud to fulfill our legislative mandate as an independent tribunal.
Jean-Pierre Blais, chairman, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
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Why desert Cancon?
The idea that reducing Cancon, competition and content opportunities will improve the quality of Canadian programing has things the wrong way around (Pick-And-Pay Will Lead To Better Cancon – March 23). The U.S. makes over 200 pilots a year; of those, about 15 go to series and maybe five move beyond three seasons. In fact, it took Breaking Bad three seasons to become a ratings success. The U.S. knows that you make a lot of shows, you promote them and then you give them time.
In spite of our smaller marketplace, Canada exports many critically acclaimed programs. Murdoch Mysteries, Flashpoint, Little Mosque on the Prairie and more are seen in more than 100 countries around the world. They were made here because Cancon regulation both mandated and allowed for their creation.
We have stories to tell and the performers to tell them. Why then is the CRTC abandoning its mandate to protect and project Canadian culture in every media?
Konrad Yakabuski asks if our national identity is threatened. Yes, especially in this age of no border, all access. Our unique voices are drowned out by louder, better-promoted, cross-border and over-the-top guests to whom the CRTC has just gifted the keys to our homes.
David Sparrow, president, ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) Toronto
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Disabled workers
Despite what André Picard might like to believe, not every disabled person can function in an integrated workplace (Disabled Workers Need Respect, Not Pity – March 24).
Before starting in the Library and Archives Canada paper recycling program, my son tried placements in fast food, cleaning, etc. but was unsuccessful.
At Archives, he can work at a manageable pace, with appropriate supervision and support, and enjoy social activities with his peers. The Archives employees are not isolated from the community. They take the bus, eat at local restaurants, shop or go bowling or to a movie. Those still living at home would be far more socially isolated without Archives.
Workplace integration for everyone requires special opportunities and support. Before demanding that a program that provides employment to 50 people be shut down, those keen on workplace integration should investigate whether the means currently exist to do do.
Susan Gurofsky, Ottawa
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Canada's closets
"Dressing locally from top to toe used to seem like an impossible feat. Not any more …" (The Great Canadian Closet – Style, March 21).
Actually, Canada had a large garment industry in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with centres in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Montreal. A person could buy all their clothes "made in Canada" and it wasn't a big deal. I remember my father predicting its demise in 1981 when he noticed shirts made in China for sale for about $5 less than those made in Canada.
Donna Dornian, Whitehorse